Marching in
Music-filled month includes Keller Williams, Monkberries, Genuine Cowhide and more

Greetings, dear readers! March is blooming with big musical energy here in our little corner of Colorado. A few highlights caught my radar this month, but I have to confess: take a scroll through the Animas City Theatre website, and you’ll see a truly masterful March lineup taking shape. Genre-spanning, nationally touring talent mixed with deep local love. It’s the kind of programming that reminds you how lucky we are to have this room in our town. There’s too much going on in the world right now to fully put into words, so I’ll just say this: I’ve got a lot of love for you, local reader, and I love our musical ecosystem here. Let’s keep showing up for it. Brighter days, and evenings, are on the way.

• Keller Williams, Thurs., March 5, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre – You know him, you love him. And if you don’t, your jam-band–loving aunt or uncle can probably explain “Kidney in a Cooler” and the days when Keller and The String Cheese Incident reigned as ski bum royalty in the Centennial State. We’re lucky to have Keller grace our stage as he is a true world-class musician. This show is a stop on the “Road to Tico Time Bluegrass” where Keller and his band Keller & The Keels will perform this May.

• The Monkberries, Fri., March 6, 5 p.m., Studio & – I remember seeing the Monkberries shortly after they relocated from Denton, Texas, at a backyard party on the west side of town. I was blown away by the duo’s distinct indie sound in a town swimming in bluegrass and jam bands. They blend sweet, soulful tones that feel straight out of the ’50s or ’60s with a twinge of “Salad Days”-era Mac DeMarco. And yet, there’s something wholly their own in Adam and Marissa Hunt’s creative love child. Catch them at Studio & for a dose of vintage shimmer to welcome in the weekend.

• Marvel Years w/ Louie Letdown, Fri., March 6, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre – En route to Subaru’s Winter Fest in Eldora, the Vermont-based Marvel Years rolls through Durango armed with laptop and guitar, ready to shred over what I describe as “soul-womp.” Think heavy, Pretty Lights-esque beats laced with soaring guitar solos in every conceivable mode and scale. “Did he just drop that in Lydian?!” It’s downright fun to vibe out to, and musical theory degree or not, the ACT on a Friday night is rarely the wrong move.

• Mixed in Mancos feat. Stillhouse Junkies, Mean Irene, Genuine Cowhide, Sat., March 7, 5 p.m., Mancos Opera House – The Mixed in Mancos series returns, and the resurrection of Genuine Cowhide is nigh. Local road warriors the Stillhouse Junkies are dropping alongside Montezuma County’s very own Sunny Gable with her new band, Mean Irene. You’ve heard it from Chris Aaland over the years, Genuine Cowhide is the real deal. Might be time to dust off (or wash) the Wranglers. Big shout-out to the Mancos Creative District for hosting this one at the recently renovated Opera House. As always, the show will be recorded and pressed to vinyl, preserving all things local and badass.

• Ragged Oak, Sat., March 7, 8 p.m. iNDIGO Room at iAM Music – Ragged Oak is quietly carrying the local torch for how to do indie rock right. Band leader Josh Mendrala has the full modern toolkit, great design, impeccable socials, a cinematic website and even a Patreon. What’s Patreon? Think of it as like Only Fans but for bands … and less sexy. Expect a night of post-rock textures and earnest songwriting at Durango’s favorite intimate listening room from Josh and his band. They just dropped a beautiful new single on all the streaming platforms for your enjoyment and edification.

• Lo-Ca$h Ninjas, Crazy & the Brains, the Last Gang, Hans Gruber and the Die Hards, Sun., March 15, 3 p.m., Anarchy Brewing – One of the raddest punk lineups in recent memory lands at Anarchy, with national act Crazy & the Brains leading the charge. Even radder? This doubles as the official post-wedding celebration for two of Durango’s favorites, Emma and Sully. Where else would it be but Sully’s home away from home? Best of luck to you two lovebirds!

• Durango Celtic Festival feat. RUNA, Cassie & Maggie, Caroline & Tom, Bowmaneers and more, Fri., March 27, 5 p.m., Community Concert Hall at FLC – Coming back for its 12th year, the Durango Celtic Fest is here to help you connect with lively fiddles, reels, and plenty of foot-stomping. Whether you’re a longtime trad devotee or just looking for something spirited and joyful to carry you into spring, this beloved local festival promises a weekend full of community and music that moves both the heart and the feet.

• Family Reunion and Hotel Draw, Sat., March 28, 8 p.m., iNDIGO Room at iAM Music – Got to give a shout out to Family Reunion, who nailed their cover of “Impossible Germany” at the KDUR Cover night a few weeks ago. They’re joining local indie lords Hotel Draw for an iNDIGO room show, so get your tickets before the limited capacity sells out!